Researchers, doctor Gianni Pes who sought for the causes and the conditions that created and maintained this unique phenomenon, and professor Michel Poulain - demographer of EUROSTADT (central statistics institution of European Union), were here to verify the uniquely high rate of the population over 90 years old, with true facts.

After an inquiry on the island, the scientists reached the conclusion than longevity on Ikaria takes place due to a natural way of life (nutrition, health, work), human relations (customs, social structure, culture, everyday life) and other factors.

Here are some small everyday tips from Centenarians from Ikaria

that will help you to be in good health condition,

and contribute to a better quality of life.

The everyday life of the average Ikarian islanderlike tending the garden and the fields, contributes to that purpose.

People get their daily exercise without thinking about it. That reduces the risk of metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular diseases.

- There are a lot of beautiful walking pathsin Ikaria, waiting for you to walk them.

The Ikarian variation of Mediterranean diet is very rich in vegetables and olive oil, and low in meat and sugar.

- Wild greens - A variety of more than 150 kinds, which are very rich in antioxidants.

- Alcohol - Consumption of moderate amounts of Ikarian wine.

- Honey - Almost daily consumption of Ikarian honey, which is very rich in vitamins.

- Herbs - Frequent consumption of local herbal teas, which lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart diseases and dementia.

- Frequent consumption of goat’s milk dairy products.

Sleeping habits

- Sufficient time up to 8 hours according to one’s need.

- Taking a daily nap of about 30 minutes to reduce the risk of heart attack by 35%.

Human relations

(Customs, social structure, culture, everyday life)

Strong sense of family and community bonds which is proven to promote long life.

- Tight family bonds that allow elderly people to be active and useful members of the family.

- Strong social connections that won’t let old people isolate themselves. On the contrary, they are present in social events, celebrations, traditional feasts (panigiria).

- Low sense of time urgency. Ikarians feel fewer obligations to follow their daily schedule so that lower amounts of heart-harming stress hormones are released into their bodies.

- More free time - Ikarian lifestyle offers you more free time to socialise. Ikarians never miss a chance for a nice chat (in person), and they very rarely turn down a chance to celebrate and dance.